Discover how to use fishbone boards for problem solving. Furthermore, see why they are an important problem solving strategy
How to use fishbone boards, in brief:
- Firstly, decide if you want to use a standalone fishbone or add further problem solving strategies too.
- Next, define your 5Ms (or similar). See further info below on this.
- Above all, make your problem solving strategies visual and accessible.
- Finally, make a fishbone board that is easy to update. For example with dry wipe.
- Most importantly, visually engage your team in the problem solving process.
How to use fishbone boards as part of problem solving
First option: jump straight into the fishbone method as a standalone strategy. In other words, just show the fishbone on your board. Above all, this is simple and straight to the point. Furthermore, enables you to identify key root causes. In addition, to define the problem you are facing.
Second option: use the fishbone as part of your problem solving strategy. In other words, add further problem solving strategies to you board. As a result, further diagnose and define current problems. In addition, dig deeply into root causes. For example, using the 5 whys strategy. Further, consider implementing an A3 practical problem solving board.
Define potential factors on your fishbone board
In short, choose which potentially contributory factors to show on your board. Consequently, use these for cause and effect analysis. The exact configuration of your fishbone depends on your setting. Likewise, your process. Nevertheless, find common fishbone factors below.
5Ms for fishbone boards
So, commonly called 6M, here are factors to consider:
- Firstly, Man. Likewise, also sometimes referred to as “Personnel”. Ultimately, relates to the human element of a process.
- Secondly, Method.
- Thirdly, Material.
- Next, Mother Nature. Similarly, sometimes replaced with “Environment”.
- Then, Machine.
- Finally, Measure
How to use fishbone boards
Ultimately, analyse all potential factors. Consider how they contribute to the issues you are facing. Consequently, define and write a problem statement. As a result, know what to address. In addition, collaborate on finding solutions. Likewise, take action to resolve issues. Furthermore, feed this process into Continuous Improvement drives.
Above and below: choose your own factors i.e. 4M, 5M or 6M (or similar)
Above and below: make the fishbone part of a wider problem solving board.
Choose dry wipe for easy updates
Examples of our problem solving boards
Baking PFU board
Magnetic tickets
Magnetic PFU tickets on PFU board
Dry wipe/eraze PFU board
PFU tickets
Multilingual PFU boards
Colour code your PFU tickets
Dry wipe status document holders
Update with dry wipe
Magnetic dry wipe PFU tickets
PFU board with magnetic tickets
Tickets for your PFU board
Status circles on PFU board
Technical ticket with status circles
Add dry wipe status
Kerry Foods PFU board
Multilingual PFU board
Colour coded PFU tickets
Status indicators
Double sided dry wipe mobile whiteboard
PFU board
Board using dry wipe status circles
Double sided mobile whiteboard
Practical Problem Solving board
Dry wipe status updates
Real time status with dry wipe options
Attainment to Plan board
Show countermeasures and status
Document holders
Customised PFU boards
Add status sliders to your PFU board
Dry wipe status updates
Custom designed tickets
Red Amber Green status dials
Durable ticket holders
Bespoke PFU tickets
Bespoke Red Amber Green Status dials
Stainless steel ticket holders
PFU document holders
Our Approach
We create visual management boards everyday. As a result we have plenty of experience. We work for organisations in food production, the power industry, national rail, pharmaceuticals, education, healthcare, packaging and distribution.
Our team works with a simple idea or sketch and creates a professionally designed layout. This is then turned into a highly functional visual management board.
We offer customised options because we want to create the perfect board for you. So, here are a few examples. We can add magnetic areas or a dry-wipe finish (for use with whiteboard pens). Furthermore, you can choose Red/Green sliders or R.A.G. (Red, Amber, Green) status dials so you can quickly and visually update your board. These are just a few examples of the ways in which our boards can be tailored to meet your needs. You may also be interested in whiteboard overlays that can be used on top of an existing magnetic board.
